Chemical Bonding and Structure

These flashcards cover key vocabulary and concepts related to chemical bonding, molecular structures, and the properties of acids, bases, and various ions.

Ammonia

A compound with the formula NH3, consisting of one nitrogen atom and three hydrogen atoms, characterized by three bonds and one lone pair.

Polyatomic Ion

An ion composed of two or more atoms that are covalently bonded together and carry a charge.

Ammonium (NH4+)

A positively charged polyatomic ion formed when ammonia gains a hydrogen ion.

Valence Electrons

The electrons in the outer shell of an atom that determine its chemical properties and bonding capacity.

Covalent Bond

A chemical bond that involves the sharing of electron pairs between atoms.

Octet Rule

The principle that atoms tend to form bonds in a way that gives them eight valence electrons.

Lone Pair

Two electrons that are localized on a single atom and not shared with another atom.

Core Electrons

Electrons that are in the inner shells of an atom and not involved in bonding.

Positive Charge in Ammonium

Occurs when ammonium loses one electron due to the presence of four positively charged hydrogen atoms.

Nitrogen's Charge

In ammonia, nitrogen is neutral with five valence electrons; in ammonium, it has a positive charge.

Shared Electrons

Electrons that are involved in covalent bonding and are shared between two atoms.

Phosphate Ion (PO4^3-)

A polyatomic ion consisting of one phosphorus atom bonded to four oxygen atoms with a -3 charge.

Sulfate Ion (SO4^2-)

A polyatomic ion consisting of one sulfur atom bonded to four oxygen atoms with a -2 charge.

Acid-Base Chemistry

The study of chemical reactions where acids donate protons (H+) and bases accept them.

Hydrophilic

Substances that are attracted to water and can dissolve in it.

Hydrophobic

Substances that do not mix with water and are repelled by it.

Ionic Compound

A compound formed by the electrostatic attraction between oppositely charged ions.

Detergent

A cleansing agent that works by having both hydrophilic and hydrophobic parts.

Molecular Polarity

A measure of how evenly the electrons are distributed in a molecule, determining its interaction with other molecules.

Partial Charge

A charge that appears in a molecule due to the unequal sharing of electrons in a bond.

Tetrahedral Structure

A molecular shape where a central atom is bonded to four other atoms, forming a pyramid-like structure.

Lewis Structure

A diagram that shows the bonding between atoms of a molecule and the lone pairs of electrons.

Diphosphate

A molecule consisting of two phosphate groups, often involved in energy transfer.

Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP)

A molecule that stores and transfers energy in cells, consisting of adenosine and three phosphate groups.

Sulfuric Acid (H2SO4)

A strong acid formed from the sulfate ion, used in various industrial applications.

Polarity

The distribution of electric charge around a molecule, resulting in positive and negative poles.

Hydrogen Ion (H+)

A positively charged ion formed when a hydrogen atom loses its electron.

Hydroxyl Group (-OH)

A functional group consisting of an oxygen atom bonded to a hydrogen atom, commonly found in alcohols.

Formate Ion (HCOO-)

A polyatomic ion that is the conjugate base of formic acid, characterized by a negative charge.

Covalent Bonding

The process where atoms share pairs of electrons to achieve stable electronic configurations.

Electron Density

The probability of finding an electron in a particular region around an atom.

Selenium

A chemical element that can behave similarly to sulfur in certain chemical environments.

Dodecyl Group

A hydrocarbon chain derived from dodecane, consisting of 12 carbon atoms.

Sodium Formate

An ionic compound formed from sodium ions and the formate ion, often used in laboratory settings.

Solubility

The ability of a substance to dissolve in a solvent, usually water.

Intermolecular Forces

Forces that mediate interaction between molecules, influencing physical properties like boiling point and solubility.

Hydrocarbon Chain

A chain composed solely of hydrogen and carbon atoms, which can be saturated or unsaturated.

Surface Tension

The cohesive force between liquid molecules that allows them to resist external force.

Oxygen's Charge

In compounds, oxygen typically has a -2 charge unless bonded with a less electronegative element.